James 2:3
What does James 2:3 mean?
A plain-English look at James 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 2:3 means
The imagined congregation ushers the well-dressed man to a preferred seat while consigning the poor man to stand or sit in a humiliating spot—“under my footstool.” This is not mere hospitality; it is a ranking of worth. Such actions treat comfort as a privilege purchased by status rather than a gift of love extended to all. The poor man’s dignity is diminished for the sake of flattering the wealthy. James means us to feel the ugliness of the scene. When we honor the outwardly impressive and demean the needy, we contradict the kingdom where the last are welcomed and the lowly are lifted by grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And you do honour to the man in fair clothing and say, Come here and take this good place; and you say to the poor man, Take up your position there, or be seated at my feet;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and ye may look upon him bearing the gay raiment, and may say to him, `Thou--sit thou here well,' and to the poor man may say, `Thou--stand thou there, or, Sit thou here under my footstool,' --
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And you have respect to him that is clothed with the fine apparel and shall say to him: Sit thou here well: but say to the poor man: Stand thou there, or: Sit under my footstool:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and ye look upon him who wears the splendid apparel, and say, Do thou sit here well, and say to the poor, Do thou stand there, or sit here under my footstool:
Context
Verse 3 brings the illustration into sharp focus after the contrasting entrance in verse 2. It highlights specific words—“Sit thou here” versus “Stand thou there”—to show how speech reveals values. The next verse (4) will interpret such behavior as spiritual misjudgment. Then verses 5–7 further expose the contradiction with God’s ways and the community’s own experience with the powerful. Seeing the precise behavior in this verse helps the reader accept James’s searching diagnosis that follows.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 7:44
And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath wetted my feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair.
- Jude 1:16
These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaketh great swelling words), showing respect of persons for the sake of advantage.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.
- Isaiah 65:5
that say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me, for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
- James 2:6
But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats?
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